The 71st David di Donatello ceremony honored Italian cinema with Sergio Romano and Aurora Quattrocchi taking best actor awards at Cinecittà.
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Sergio Romano won best leading actor at the 71st David di Donatello awards for his role in "Le città di pianura," while Aurora Quattrocchi received the best leading actress prize for "Gioia Mia," directed by Margherita Spampinato.
The ceremony took place Wednesday at Cinecittà's newly inaugurated Teatro 23 in Rome and was broadcast live on Rai 1 starting at 21:30. Flavio Insinna and Bianca Balti hosted the event, which was also transmitted in 4K on Rai4K, on Rai Radio2, and via RaiPlay.
Francesco Sossai won best director for "Le città di pianura." The film received multiple honors during the evening.
Upon accepting her award, Quattrocchi spoke about cinema's future. "I hope cinema can always, always, always have more success, wonder, fantasy and joy," she said. "And my joy must never end. And may the big cinema halls reopen like this one—we can't take anymore of those cramped little rooms where films cannot be seen properly."
Director Gianni Amelio received a career achievement award and was given a standing ovation. Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, a three-time Academy Award winner, received the special Cinecittà Prize.
The 71st edition distributed twenty-six David di Donatello awards, one career achievement award, and one special award. Musical guests at the ceremony included Arisa, Annalisa, and Tommaso Paradiso.
Actor Checco Zalone, who stars in and co-wrote "Buen Camino," did not attend the ceremony. The film was directed by an unnamed filmmaker according to available sources.
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